Healthy travel and the socio-economic structure of car commuting in Cambridge, UK: A mixed-methods analysis

► This mixed-method study illustrates how cars simultaneously enable and constrain well-being in everyday life. ► Car commuting helped workers in Cambridge (UK) meet life goals (e.g. home ownership) and overcome challenges (e.g. illness). ► Relying on cars also introduced constraints, however, and triggered 'counter-adaptations' such as starting work earlier. ► Socio-economic advantage made it easier to achieve sustaining daily routines, via greater affluence and greater job control. ► Thus socio-economic advantage can make car-oriented environments less 'disabling', even in a relatively affluent population.